A new 3D-printed polylactic acid-bioglass composite for bone tissue engineering induces angiogenesis in vitro and in ovo

Abstract

Large bone defects such as those that occur after trauma or resections due to cancer still are a challenge for surgeons. Main challenge in this area is to find a suitable alternative to the gold-standard therapy, which is highly risky, and a promising option is to use biomaterials manufactured by 3D printing. In former studies, we demonstrated that the combination of polylactic acid (PLA) and bioglass (BG) resulted in a stable 3D-printable material, and porous and finely structured scaffolds were printed. These scaffolds exhibited osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. This 3D-printed material fulfills most of the requirements described in the diamond concept of bone healing. However, the question remains as to whether it also meets the requirements concerning angiogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the 3D-printed PLA-BG composite material on angiogenesis. In vitro analyses with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed a positive effect of increasing BG content on viability and gene expression of endothelial markers. This positive effect was confirmed by an enhanced vascular formation analyzed by Matrigel assay and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. In this work, we demonstrated the angiogenic efficiency of a 3D-printed PLA–BG composite material. Recalling the osteogenic potential of this material demonstrated in former work, we manufactured a mechanically stable, 3D-printable, osteogenic and angiogenic material, which could be used for bone tissue engineering.

Microporous Fluorescent Poly(D,L-lactide) Acid–Carbon Nanodot Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

“…To further evaluate the ability of seeded hADSCs on PLA-CD 5% scaffolds to penetrate and propagate into the whole biomaterial structure, we performed H&E staining. The data obtained from MTT analysis showed the good biocompatibility of the tested PLA-CD 5% scaffold, in agreement with the ISO Standard 10993-5 of 2009 establishing that only a cell viability reduction of more than 30% is considered cytotoxic [37].…”

Biomimetic Scaffolds—A Novel Approach to Three Dimensional Cell Culture Techniques for Potential Implementation in Tissue Engineering

“…The PLA-BG composite exhibits greater durability than PLA alone [ 123 ]. Furthermore, the addition of BG enhances cell viability and the expression of endothelial marker genes in vitro, as demonstrated on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), indicating a positive effect on angiogenesis [ 124 ]. Pearl powder [ 125 ], graphene oxide [ 126 ], and cold argon plasma treatment [ 119 ] are all valuable supplements that can influence bone cell differentiation, proliferation, and scaffold strength.…”

Technology for the formation of engineered microvascular network models and their biomedical applications

“… Collagen Natural High mechanical strength, can be polymerized with different materials [ 86 , 88 , 89 ] Fibrin Natural Requires thrombin activation; Readily biodegradation properties; Poor mechanical strength; High biocompatibility [ 87 , 91 ] Matrigel Natural The composition is unidentified, however, it offers an adequate environment for the proliferation of cells [ 89 , 100 , 102 ] Gelatin Natural Promotes and maintains cell viability; Biodegradable [ 104 ] Alginate Natural Controlled biodegradation, low viscosity, and crosslinking with Ca 2+ to form gel fibers that are optimal materials for bioprinting [ 56 , 107 ] GelMA Synthetic Provides a biocompatible and hydrophilic environment for cells. The mechanical strength can be adjusted as required [ 56 , 111 ] PEG/ PEGDA Synthetic It is non-biodegradable, exhibits weak mechanical properties, lacks suitability for cell culture, and necessitates the use of binding peptides or degrading enzymes [ 53 , 113 ] PLA Synthetic Biocompatibility, degradability is appropriate, high hydrophobicity, needs to be combined with hydrophilic materials [ 115 , 116 ] …”

“…Polylactic acid (PLA) is a polymer with a reliable biodegradable nature and cytocompatibility and mechanical stability [ 115 ]. However, its linear structure and hydrophobic properties lead to poor mechanical stiffness and degradation products that limit tissue regeneration, making it an unsuitable material for scaffolding [ 116 ].…”